For those who’re in search of a trip spot that has one thing for everybody, look no additional than Key West, Florida. This stunning island is situated within the Florida Keys and provides loads of actions to maintain you busy.
There are lots of issues to do in Key West, from sunbathing on the seaside to exploring the native nightlife. We’ll define a number of the finest issues to do while you go to Key West to benefit from your time.
#1 – Kayak Via Mangroves
Key West has a number of the best kayaking spots within the US. One of many coolest issues to do in Key West is kayaking by way of the mangroves. Mangroves are present in tropical and subtropical areas and supply important habitats for a lot of animals, fish, and birds.
As well as, mangrove kayaking is a good way to see a number of the wildlife that calls Key West house. You would possibly see fish swimming within the water or birds perched within the timber. Remember to carry your digicam so you may snap some photos.
A number of corporations provide mangrove kayaking excursions in Key West. You may take a guided or self-guided kayak tour. For those who’re new to kayaking or need to study extra concerning the mangroves, a guided tour is the way in which to go. Kayaking Key West is a good exercise on a household vacation.
#2 – Strive Different Watersports
Watersports are one factor that makes Key West the most effective trip spots in the US. There are many choices, like paddleboarding, parasailing, and jetskis.
Paddleboarding is a good way to see native marine life as you make your approach by way of Key West’s heat, crystal-clear waters. You may lease a paddleboard from many native outlets, get a exercise and benefit from the surroundings.
Parasailing is one other well-liked watersport in Key West. For those who’ve by no means parasailed earlier than, Key West is a good place to attempt it. A number of corporations provide parasailing excursions, so yow will discover one that matches your price range and luxury stage.
Jetskis are a enjoyable method to discover the waters of Key West. There are lots of jetski rental corporations on the island.
#3 – Go Crusing
If you’re in search of enjoyable issues to do in Key West, Crusing is a good way to loosen up and luxuriate in gorgeous views. Key West is thought for fabulous sunsets, and a sundown cruise is a good way to expertise them.
A number of corporations provide sundown cruises in Key West. A lot of the cruises final round two hours, and lots of embrace meals and drinks.
Crusing in Key West is a good exercise for {couples} or buddies. As well as, it’s a calming method to spend a day or night in Key West.
For those who’re fortunate, you would possibly even see some dolphins swimming within the water.
#4 – Go Snorkeling
For those who love being within the water, you’ll love snorkeling whereas in Key West. Key West is house to some incredible snorkeling spots, and the Florida Keys are house to North America’s only living coral reef.
Snorkeling by way of the crystal clear waters in Key West is a good way to discover the native marine life. You would possibly see fish, turtles, and different sea creatures swimming round you.
Remember to carry your underwater digicam to take photos of the superb belongings you see whereas snorkeling.
Snorkeling is a wonderful exercise for all ages, and it’s a good way to see the underwater world of Key West. A number of corporations provide snorkeling excursions in Key West.
#5 – Go Fishing
Fishing is a well-liked exercise in Key West, and the realm provides some nice places to go fishing. You even have choices like chartering a fishing boat for deep-sea fishing.
Deep-sea fishing is a good way to catch a number of the larger fish that thrive within the waters round Key West. You may constitution a ship for half a day or a full day.
Chartering a fishing boat is a good way to spend time with buddies or household. You may loosen up on the boat, benefit from the surroundings, and reel in some large fish.
You don’t should constitution a ship to catch the large one. You can even attempt inshore fishing. There are a number of spots round Key West the place you may solid your line and reel in varied species, together with Tarpon, Bonefish, and Barracuda.
Fishing is a wonderful exercise for all ages, and it’s a good way to expertise the waters of Key West. Or, fishing can be a great gift for the boys whereas the women have a spa day!
#6 – Go to Ernest Hemingway’s Home
An inventory of Key West sights isn’t full with out visiting the Ernest Hemingway house.
Ernest Hemingway is without doubt one of the most well-known authors in American historical past, and his home in Key West is a well-liked vacationer attraction. Hemingway lived in Key West for years, and lots of of his private results are on show inside the home.
Hemingway’s home is situated on Whitehead Road, throughout the road from the Key West Lighthouse, and it’s some of the well-liked vacationer sights in Key West.
The grounds are fantastically maintained, and the Ernest Hemingway Home is a must-see for any fan of his work or anybody fascinated with American literature.
#7 – Bike the Island
Key West, Florida is a bike-friendly group, and it’s a good way to get across the island. You may lease a motorbike from one of many many rental corporations on the island. Renting a motorbike is a good way to see the sights, get some train, and take in the solar on the similar time. Bike leases usually vary from $15-30 per day.
#8 – Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is a must-see for any nature lover or historical past buff. The park is situated about 70 miles west of Key West within the Gulf of Mexico. The nationwide park is accessible by boat or seaplane and makes for an important day journey.
The nationwide park is a 100-square miles, with seven small islands, and it’s an important place to benefit from the open air. Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is a wonderful place to kayak, snorkel, paddleboard, or fish.
The park can also be house to Fort Jefferson, one of many largest Nineteenth-century forts within the US.
#9 – Key West Aquarium
Who’s prepared for shark feedings?
The Key West Aquarium is the one aquarium in Key West and one in every of Florida’s oldest. The aquarium is subsequent to the ever-popular Mallory Sq.. The aquarium has completely different sea life on show, together with sharks, jellyfish, and turtles.
And sure, you may watch them feed sharks 4 occasions every day.
The Key West Aquarium is a good place to study concerning the native marine life, and it’s a superb exercise for the entire household. For those who purchase your tickets on-line, it can save you a couple of bucks.
The Key West Aquarium is open every day from 10 am to five:30 pm.
#10 – Audubon Home & Tropical Gardens
The Audubon Home & Tropical Gardens is a must-see for any nature lover. The home and gardens are on picturesque Whitehead Road, throughout the road from the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.
The home, constructed within the 1840s, is fantastically crafted, and the gardens are an important place to loosen up and benefit from the surroundings. The gardens are wealthy with orchids, unique vegetation, birds, and butterflies.
The Audubon Home & Tropical Gardens is a good place to spend a while and study concerning the native historical past of Key West.
The Audubon Home & Tropical Gardens is open every day.
#11 – Key West Backyard Membership
The Key West Backyard Membership is a good place to see a number of the stunning gardens in Key West. The tropical backyard is house to a Civil Struggle-era fort, an exquisite seaside and options a wide range of native vegetation and flowers.
The backyard is open every day from 9:30 am to five pm with free admission. Guided excursions are additionally accessible for $25 per individual.
The Key West Backyard Membership has a wide range of gardens on show the place you may view orchids, butterflies, cacti, and rather more.
The Backyard Membership is a calming place to spend a day when you’re in Key West.
#12 – Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor (named after President Zachary Taylor) is a historic state park situated on the southern tip of Key West. It’s an important place to study concerning the historical past of Key West.
The park is house to historic buildings and options a wide range of actions akin to picnicking, swimming, fishing, and snorkeling. The general public seaside is fashionable, with picnic tables and rental huts accessible.
You may see unimaginable sunsets from the seaside, the place the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean.
There’s a small price to enter the park, however value it.
#13 – Go to Mallory Sq.
On the northwest tip of Key West sits Mallory Sq., an important place to observe the sundown. Mallory Sq. can also be house to a wide range of outlets, eating places, and bars, making it a perfect spot to soak up the sights and sounds of Key West.
With passengers from cruise ships and incredible sundown views, Beware, Mallory Sq. will be very crowded. However, should you can courageous the crowds, it’s an important spot to go a minimum of as soon as, only for the expertise.
For those who like to folks watch and take within the vibrant environment of Key West, Mallory Sq. is the place to be.
#14 – Southernmost Level within the U.S.
The Southernmost Level in the US is on the intersection of Whitehead and South Streets, and it’s a well-liked spot for vacationers to take pictures. The southernmost level is marked by a sizeable striped buoy that claims “90 miles to Cuba”.
The Southernmost Level within the US is a well-liked spot for pictures, nevertheless it’s additionally a superb place to folks watch. So in case you are in search of a spot to snap a cool selfie, that is the place to do it.
#15 – Truman Little White Home
The Truman Little White Home is a historic web site situated in Key West, Florida. The home was initially in-built 1890 and served because the naval station’s command headquarters.
In 1946, President Harry S. Truman determined this could be a great spot for the winter White Home. Among the United States leaders nonetheless use the home. It’s additionally a museum open to the general public for excursions.
#16 – Get pleasure from Some Seaside Time
Surprisingly, Key West isn’t precisely recognized for its seashores, however there are some choices to loosen up and take in the solar. Higgs Seaside and Smathers Seaside are the 2 signature seashores in Key West.
Smathers Seaside is the biggest seaside in Key West, and it’s an important place to loosen up with loads of shade.
Smathers Seaside is on the south aspect of Key West, and it’s a superb place for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, sunbathing, and people-watching. The water isn’t very deep, nevertheless it’s excellent for a refreshing dip.
Get there early as a result of parking is restricted.
#17 – Strive the Native Delicacies
Key West is house to nice eating places and cafes, and a visit isn’t full with out sampling some incredible native flavors. So whether or not you’re in search of a fast chew or a sit-down meal, there’s one thing for everybody in Key West.
Among the finest locations to eat in Key West are Blue Heaven, Conch Republic Seafood Firm, and El Siboney. Don’t overlook about key lime pie! Try the Key Lime Pie Bakery to fulfill your candy tooth.
Conclusion
There are a number of issues to do in Key West. After all, the exhausting half is becoming every thing in. However, it doesn’t matter what your pursuits are, you’ll have the ability to discover one thing to do on this sunny paradise. So, should you’re in search of a spot to loosen up or a spot to journey, Key West could also be an important trip vacation spot for you.
This text initially appeared on Wealth of Geeks. Picture Credit score: [@felixtm/DepositPhotos]
Steve is the proprietor of Paddle About, a weblog that is all about serving to folks get out and luxuriate in nature. He likes to kayak, camp, hike and spend time open air together with his spouse and two youngsters. When he is not out exploring the nice open air, Steve enjoys writing about his adventures and sharing ideas for getting essentially the most out of your outside experiences. He has a number of attention-grabbing tales to share, and he is all the time completely happy to assist others get extra out of life.
